Translator



1960 w. R. YOUNG, JR 2,922,996

TRANSLATOR Filed Jan. 24, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 B "Mao/ass a 3 Col 90 on I m 000 OOI OIO -o|,| loi no In "Y"'CORES INVENTOR By M. R VOUNGJR.

ATTORNEY TRANSLATOR William R. Young, Jr., Summit, N.J., assignor to Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Application January 24, 1956, Serial No. 561,056 16 Claims. (11. 340 347 This invention relates to a ferromagnetic translator and more specifically to a reversible translator utilizing rectangular hysteresis loop cores as switching elements. A translator is a switching system element which, under the stimulus of a request in the form of an input code, responds in the form of a predetermined output code to the element presenting the input code, or to some other element.

A particular necessity in the area of data transmission and switching is a translating device for conveniently, economically, rapidly and reliably converting from one binary code to another. This is essential, since, in the,

transmission of switching or information data, a large number of rapid transformations to different codes may be required.

An object of this invention, therefore, is to provide translation from one binary code to another binary code.

Another object of this invention is translation from one binary code to another binary code in which separate inputs are utilized to represent the two binary conditions.

Still another object of this invention is a translator which is fully reversible in operation.

A feature of this invention is the use of single conductor interconnecting jumpers between input and output elements, providing a high degree of flexibility in altering the translated code,

Another feature of this invention is the use of reliable, low cost, rectangular hysteresis loop magnetic cores as switching elements.

These and other objects and features may be accomplished by the use of a circuit including a plurality of rectangular hysteresis loop cores as input elements, and an equal number of cores for the output symbols. Conductors are wound through all of the cores in accordance with a code. A signal is applied momentarily and simultaneously to selected leads in accordance with the code to be translated. In addition, a bias current is applied simultaneously to each core. The aggregate eifect is such that only one input core is permitted to set. Setting of the selected core induces current in a path link-' ing it to a corresponding output core. This current, aided by a positive bias current in all of the output cores, sets a particular output core, thereby inducing a voltage in the leads threaded therethrough. The voltage on' these leads can be detected and identified to determine the correct translated symbols. fore accepting the next signal, reset currents are applied to the bias windings, causing all of the set cores to be restored to normal.

Alternatively, an input core may be initially set by energizing selected leads traversing said core. Subsequently, the selected core may be reset and the voltage and current induced by the change of flux due to the resetting are used to further set a selected core in the group of output cores. All of the output cores are than reset and a signal] is generated on the output leads as described above, which signal maybe detected and identified.

fSettingj in the context of this application, refers to In completing the cycle and be- United States Patent the passage of a core from an original magnetic state to the opposite magnetic state. Both of these magnetic conditions are stable, and the cores herein employed will remain for an infinite period in the magnetic state to which they are driven.

Resetting refers to the return of a core to its original magnetic state.

The above objects and features of the invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying description, appended claims and drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a circuit embodying the invention in conjunction with a reversible magnetic core binary-to-binary translator in which flexibly arranged interconnecting jumpers are utilized to cross-connect input and output cores;

Fig. 2 indicates the relationship of current and flux flow in a circuit employing magnetic core mirror symbols;

Fig. 3 is the same circuit as Fig. 1 using an improved magnetic core short hand and mirror symbols as a convenient means of representing the physical circuit; and

Fig. 4 is a mirror symbol equivalent of a circuit embodying an alternative form of the invention in conjunction with a reversible magnetic core binary-to-binary translator utilizing separate inputs in each core for each of the binary conditions.

Referring now to Fig. 1, a circuit is shown in which eight magnetic input cores X representing the input elements of the translator are all selectively threaded by the same four conductors, namely, a bias conductor B and three signal conductors X X and X .An input core is provided for each of the eight symbols to be translated. In Fig. 1, these cores are collectively referred to as X cores and are individually labeled with the appropriate binary number in accordance with the direction in which the wires are threaded therethrough. For explanatory purposes it may be assumed that the current necessary to set a particular core is i The magnitude of signal current in each lead X X and X is also arranged to be equal to i Likewise, the bias current applied to lead B 18 lg. The group of eight output, or Y, cores is arranged similarly to the group of eight input, or X cores, each output core being designated in Fig. 1 according to its appropriate binary number. Four conductors A, Y Y and Y selectively thread each of the eight cores in accordance with the particular binary number designated by each of said cores. It may be noted, however, that bias lead A is to have a bias current applied to it which is less than i and in a negative direction, for example, /zi

In operation, signals are applied momentarily and simultaneously to leads X X and X in accordance with the elements of the code symbol to be translated. A 1 signal is represented by current in a positive direction from left to right as in Fig. 1 (wherein the arrow indicates positive current) and a 0 signal by negative current. These signals are applied by operating switches Sin the appropriate direction as indicated in Fig. l. The switches S-are also capable of connecting individual detecting devices R shown in symbolic form in Fig. l to the signal conductors X X X Y Y and Y The particular devices R that are connected in a given operation depend on the direction in which translation is to be effected, as will be explained herein. Assuming, in Fig. 1, that current through core and into the page sets the core, a series of illustrative inputs will demonstrate the operation of the translator.

For example, if the input applied to the X cores by momentarily connecting switches SX SX and SX to the positive voltage source is 111, the X X and-' X leads each carries a current and together pass 311, through input core 11\1. in a direction-tending to set enga es the core. The bias current through lead B, occasioned by connecting switch SE to the positive voltage source, is and traverses the core in a direction which tends to oppose the settingthereof. As aresult, X core 111? is: subjected to; aitotal= aggregate setting currentof 2'11 therethrough, which is ample. for the; reliable set-ting of said core. n

Further, it may be shown that th'e' resultant current number 100, Y core 100 will have an aggregate setting current therethrough equal to 3i minus the bias current All other cores, as explained above, may be shown to have a total current therethrough of zero or a finite current in the reset direction. Under these circumstances, core 100 in the Y group will set, undergoing a relatively high. internal flux change which induces a voltage in jumper 2.thr.eaded therethrough. This in any other core is either zero. or in opposition tothe setting of'that core. For example, X core 110 has a setting current of 21}, as the result of leads X and'Xg being activated; This current is opposed and neutralized by a. current of 211,, the sum of the opposing. currents flowing. through lead B and lead X Consequently, the total resulting current traversing X core 110 is zero 100 under the samecondition is traversedby: a setting current of i over lead X and an opposing current of" 31], through leads B, X and X As a result, theaggregate eifective current passing through X co're 10.0 is 2i but is in a resetting direction. If the current components. passing through. each of the remaining X cores are analyzed, it will be seen that the. only core which is subjected to a setting currentiof i or greater is core .111. All other' cores are subjected to a sum totalcurrent which is equal to zero or a finite value of current, but in a. reset direction. Since, the cores are originally magnetized in the reset state, itfollows that core 111 will be the only core to be set.

Continuing the operation of. the'embodimentdepicted in Fig. 1, it will be seen that under the assumed conditionofleads X X and X energized inthe; positive direction, core 1.1.1 sets, occasioning a rapidfiux change which in turn induces a voltage in jumper 1 threaded. thercthrough. This voltage. creates a currentthrough.

jumper 1 which at its Y core end is threaded through core 001. The current through conductor 1 acts.in-con junction with the. current through conductor A.which.

illustratively may be /2i to reliably set.Y core 001, causing a change of flux therein which acts. to induce voltages in leads Y Y and Y These voltages may be. detected by devices R to identify the core which has been set, switches SY SY and 5Y having. been previously set to their associated indicating devices R. The par-- ticular devices R for detectingand identifying havebeen set forth symbolically inFig. 1, it being. understoodt-hat any electroresponsive device,.such as a polarized relay,

galvanometer or any binary indicating device capable of. signifying either of two possible conditions may be em:

ployed. r

The above example illustrates the translation ofbinarynumber 111 in the X group of cores tobinary nume' her 001. in the Y groupof cores. After: the transla tion has been effected, a restoring current is momentarily;

applied to conductors'A and B by setting. switches SA and SB to positive battery to reset the cores that were set. In so doing, the cycle during the translation operation. is completed and the device is available for additional translation.

In the illustration used it was assumed that the X- group of cores was theinput group and theY group.

nals are applied to leads Y Y and Y a translation may be effected and the voltages inducedby the output core in the X group detected and identifiedby sampling: In so doing, it should be pointed' out that the direction of current bias in leads A. andZB- leads X X and X is required to be interchanged. For. a reverse translation, lead A is assumed to have a current in the positive direction. equal toi andv lead B'to have a current .in the' negative directionequal to /2i Assuming for purposes of illustration that theinput: signalipulseson .leads-Y ,...l and. Y areeforstlie binary? voltage in turn creates current flow through jumper 2 which threads core 0min the.X group of cores, causing. saidmcore to set and shift: in magnetic state: This change in magnetic state produces a. voltage in leadsX X and X which may be detected and identified as explained above to determine which core has been set. To complete the cycle, resetcurrents. are applied to bias leads A and B to reset all cores that have been changed in magnetic state.

An alternative method of operation would be tocomplete the cycle in' a series of steps as followsz'Leads X X and X are energized in the positivedirection to set 'X 'coreIIl. The voltage induced; in leads Y Y and Y is not detected at this time. Instead, thegnext step is to reset'all of theX cores by applyingla reset current to bias conductor B. As a result, theflux changefin core tersectionat an. angleof45 degrees. 55.

-tected but,instead, a subsequent restoringcurrent pulse or reset current is applied to conductor A causing allof the cores to reset, at which time leads Y6, Y andjY are detected andidentified to establish the translation. Under these conditions the bias on lead A of /2i :is; ina positive direction as. is the bias of i on lead B; In addition, the original magnetization-or reset'state ofjthe. Y group of cores is opposite to that of the X group, i.e., the original magnetization or reset state of the X group is that produced by a positive current pulse on lead B, whereas the reset, state of the Y group is. that produced by a. negative current pulse on lead A..

It maybe noted that thisoperating procedure is adapt: ed to be reversible with an equal degree. of facility as the first enumerated one. a a

Fig. 2 indicates the polarity of applied and.induced currents in the windings as may be. determinedfrom the mirror. symbols utilized in Figs. 3 and 4. Mirror symbols area compact and convenientmea'nsfon determining the polarity of induced. voltage. or. current flow in secondary windings. In. these symbols, cores (verti-. cal' lines) andconductors (horizontal lines) are.represented'by, line segments vcrossingat right=angles.. Awinding is representedby a mirror passing-through the in-. Windingv polarity is'indicatedby the slope. of themirron. The convention is. that current approaching the: core is. reflected off the mirror to. generate a resulting. flux.

Referringto Fig. 2,.it may be seen thatthe direction: ofthe induced flux. is upward since the input currenti is'reflected by. the mirror inan upwardly direction; I The induced flux is traced to the end of the core and reflected back asshownfor 4 Tracing the reflected flux 15 back: down the core and:reflectingolf'each mirror, the directionof. currentv flow. in the corresponding'winding;is established, It may be seen that the inducedcurrent i flows in the input winding 3 in a direction opposite to the inputcurrenti This clearly conforms with Lenzs law. The current i in thezsecondary winding isin the direction shown since the return flux 5,- is reflected offfthe' output'winding 4, to the right.

Fora further exposition of this typeofnotation ref-- erence maybe madeto. an article-entitled: Pulsezswitchy ing'; CircuitsvUsin'g: Magnetic Cores by'M: Karnaugh;. Proceedings of the I.R.E"i, .volume 43, No. 5,.p. '572, .May': 1955, .and. Ai.Rroppsedf-.Symbolfor Magnetic Circuits,

v5 by-R. P. .Mayer, Engineering Note E-4 72, Digital Computer Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, August 14,- 1952.

Referring now to Fig. 3, whichis the equivalent in all respects of Fig. 1, but in mirror symbol form, it may be seen that if input currents of t in a positive direction are applied to leads X X1 and X the total setting current traveling through the core will be equal to 3i i in conductor B, yielding an aggregate current of 21], which will set X core 111. No other X cores will be set as a result of the direction of the windings thereon as explained above. Jumper 1 will have a current induced therein as a result of the setting of core 111, which current may be traced through jumper 1 and the associated winding 6 of core 001 in the Y group of cores. The.

current traveling through jumper winding 6 plus the bias current of -V2i traveling through conductor A in core 001, will act conjointly to set core 001, during which time leads Y Y and Y may be detected and identified to establish the translation from binary number 111 to binary number 001. l It may be noted that in the above mirror symbol terminology, it is assumed that magnetization in the upward direction tends to set the core and magnetization in the downward direction tends to reset the core.

The directions of current and flux flow as indicated in Fig. 3 are derived from the relationships set forth in Fig. 2. Since the direction of the aggregate setting current flow of Zi is from left to right, the flux resulting therefrom is in an upward direction tending to set core 111. Tracing the flux o to the end of the core, we find that the reflected flux is reflected ofi output winding 5 in such a direction as to cause a current flow i in jumper 1.

This current, flowing through input winding 6 together with the negative bias current through winding 7, produces a flux 5 in the upward direction tending to set the core. The reflected flux 5, produces secondary currents i i and i in the directions shown, which may be detected and identified as described above to indicate that .Y core 001 has been set.

Thus in Fig. 3 the translation may be followed as in Fig. 2 but with greater facility. In addition, secondary currents in windings may be determined directly from the drawings without the distraction of intermittently resorting to arbitrary rules to ascertain directions of current and flux flow.

-It will 'be noted in the examination of Fig. 1 and in particular of'Fig. 3, that the conductors are threaded through half of the cores in the X group and the Y groupin a given direction and the remaining cores in the opposite direction. This is a desirable feature which provides for inherent minimization of spurious voltages induced inthe conductors by virtue of slight changes of flux, as a result of the lack of perfect rectangularity of the hysteresis curve. For example, it may be seen that conductor X in Fig. 3 is subjected to induced voltages from four of the cores in a particular direction and from three others in an opposite direction, in addition to the voltage induced by the core that is set. The symmetry of winding or threading of the conductors consequently produces an automatic neutralization or substantial balancing' of undesired and spurious signals.

,Referring to Fig. 4 an alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated, wherein each input is in the positive direction but connected to different leads to represent -1s and Os. Currents in leads X X and X Y Y and Y represent .ls. Currents in Y Y and Y ,X X and X represent 0s." In this instance, the

bias current in conductor B is 21}, and in a direction to set a core which is not otherwise impeded from setting. The signal currents in the X, X, Y and Y, leads are also 2i in this instance.

.Assume, for example, that the binary number to be translated is 0lll. In this instance, current would be appl ed .IQXs'. Xriand vXob momentarily p t ng switches 8X SX and SX No current is applied to leads X X and X Examining Fig. 4, it may be seen that the leads carrying current do not thread core 011 and that the leads threading this core do not carry current. As a consequence, the bias current of 2i through conductor B produces a flux in core 011, setting that core. It may be seen that all other X cores surround at least one of the signal input leads carrying current. For example, core 101 has currents therethrough of 21}, in conductor B, 2i in conductor X and 21}, in conductor X Since the B conductor and the X and X conductors are threaded in opposite directions on core 101, the aggregate current in core 101 is 21",, in a direction to oppose setting.

Continuing the operation, it may be seen that the setting of core 011 induces a current i in jumper 8, which in turn creates a flux in y core 110. The flux through core 110, as a result of the current through jumper 8 in conjunction with the flux through core 110 produced by the negative bias current (which, for example, may be /2 i through conductor A, is suflicient to set the core or change its magnetic state. In so doing a voltage is induced in the leads threaded through core 110 in the Y group of cores, which voltage may be detected in the manner described above to complete the translation.

In translating from one binary number to another, using the embodiment of Fig. 4, a single process similar to the one first described for Fig. 2, may be utilized,

in which a signal is applied to the X leads, the Y leads being scanned and detected simultaneously with the input to said X leads. Alternatively, the translation may proceed in a series of steps, also as described above, in which the particular X core is set and then reset, which latter operation effects the setting of the associated core in the Y group. The ,Y group core is then reset and the voltage indication is read on the Y leads to establish the actual translation.

Further, the embodiment of Fig. 4 is reversible with equal facility and in the same manner as that described in Fig. 2.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that combinations of the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 3 and Fig. 4 are feasible. For example, the embodiment of Fig. 1 or 3 may be used as the configuration for the X cores and the species of Fig. 4 may be used as the circuit for the Y group of cores.

Itis understood that the embodiments depicted are merely illustrative and that other combinations and arrangements will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A ferromagnetic core translator comprising a first and second group of rectangular hysteresis loop cores,

' a plurality of signal conductors threaded through said cores in accordance with a code, a bias winding on each of said cores, a conductor linking each core in said first group with an associated core in said second group, means for energizing selected signal conductors in only said first group of cores thereby setting one of said cores in said first group and a corresponding core in said second group, and means for identifying which core in said second group is set.

2. A ferromagnetic core translator comprising a first and second group of rectangular hysteresis loop cores,

each of said cores signifying a particular binary number,

a plurality of signal conductors threaded through said cores in accordance with the binary numbers said cores signify, a bias winding on each of said cores, a jumper conductor linking each core in said first group to an associated core in said second group, means for energizing selected conductors in said first group of cores thereby setting one of said cores in said first group, means for thereafter resetting said one core in said first group thereby inducing: a currentin saidv jumper ednductor to set said associated core in. said second group, means for thereafter resetting said core in said: secondgroup'thereby inducing a voltage in said signal conductors threaded therethrough, and means for detecting said voltages. and identifying which core in said second group is set. v

3. A ferromagnetic 'core translator comprising a first and second group of rectangular'hysteresis' loop cores, each of said cores representing a particular binary number, a plurality of 'signal conductors threaded through each of said groups of cores in'accordan'c'e with the binary number each of said cores represents, abias winding threaded through each of said groups of cores, a jumper conductor linking each core in said first group to-a related core in; said second group, means for. energizing said bias winding in said first group of cores in apositive direction, means for energizing said" bias winding; in said second group of cores in a negative" direction, said current in said bias windingin-saidsecond group' of cores having a lower magnitudethan the current: in said bias winding of said first group of cores, means for. selectively energizing said signal conductors threaded through said cores in said first group in a predetermined direction; thereby setting one of said cores in said first group and said related core in said second group, and means for detecting said signal conductors in said second group to identify said related core. v

4. A ferromagnetic core translator comprising a first and second group of eight rectangular hysteresis loop c'ores each, three signal conductors threaded through saidcores in each group in' accordance'with a code, each of said signal conductors bein'gtlireaded through one halfrof said cores in each group ina given direction and: an equal number of cores; in the same group in the opposite direction, a bias windingthreadedthrough each of said groupsof cores, a jumper conductor linking each of said cores in said first group to an associated core in said second group in accordance with a predetermined arrangement, means for energizing said bias windings in-varying magnitudes and directions in accordance with the direction of translation betweensaid groups, means for energizing three selected signal conductorsin said first group of cores in a predetermined direction', thereby setting one of said cores in said first group and the associated core in said second group, and means for detecting said signal conductors insaid second group to identify said associated core.

5. A reversible ferromagnetic core translator comprising a first and second group ofrectangular hysteresis loop cores, each of said cores signifying a particular binary number, a plurality of signal conductorsthre'aded through said groups of cores in accordance with the binary numbers said cores represent, a bias winding on each of said cores, a jumper conductor linking each core in' said first group to a related core in said second group, means for energizing selected signal conductors in either of said group of cores and for energizing said, bias windings in varying magnitudes-and directions, to set a selected core in one group and the related core-in the other group, means for detecting said signal conductors in said other group of cores to identify said' related core, and means for interchanging and receiving the input signals and output signals on said first and said second group of cores to operate said translator in either direction.

6. A bidirectional ferromagnetic core translator comprising a first and second group of rectangular'hysteresis loop cores, a bias winding on each of. said cores, a: plurality of pairs of signal conductors threaded through each group of cores according to a code, a conductor linking each core in said first group to an associated core in said second group means for energizing said bias windings in varying directions and amplitudes in accordance with the direction of. signaltravel" between said groups, means for energizingselectcd signar ont ductors" in one of said groups of cores in" predetermined duct'ors in said first group of cores tlierebyi s'etting' fom of saidcores? in: said first group and the associated core in said second group, and means for detecting said: signal conductorsin said: second group to identify'said' associated core.

7. A reversible ferromagnetic core translator comprising two groups of rectangular hysteresisloop cores,

each of said cores representing a particular binary number, a bias: winding individual to each of said groups ofcores, a plurality of pairsof signal conductors threfaded I other group of cores which are: thereby energizedto identify said associated core: 7

8. A reversible ferromagnetic co're; translator com prising a first and second group ofrectangularhysteresis loop cores; each of saidcores signifying abinary nun'iber, a: plurality of signal conductors threaded through each of said groups of cores inaccordance with a code,-each of said signal conductors'being threaded through a given number of cores in one direction and 'thr'o'ugh an equal number of coresin the same grou 'inthe opp'osit'diree tion', a bias winding on each of said cores, mean'sj for energizing said'bias winding-in accordance with the direci tionof translation, a jumper linking each core in said first group to a related core in said'second group, means for directionally energizing" selected signalconductors in either of said groups of cores thereby setting one of said cores in said group surrounding the selected conductors and the related core in' the other group, and means responsive to the setting of said-related core for identify ing saidrelated core;

9 A two-way ferromagnetic core" translator com prising" a first and second group of eight rectangular hysteresislo'op cores-each, each" of said cores'signifying' a binary number, three pairs of signal con'ductors threaded through the cores of each group in accordance with th'e binary numbers said cores represent; a bias winding on each of said groups of cores, a jumperlinking each'c'ore in said first group to a related core in said second group, means for energizing said'b'i'as winding in said fi'rst group of cores in agiven direction, meansfor energizing said bias winding in said secondgro'up of coresin an opposite direction, means for energizingjselected signal conductors in'either group of cores thereby changing the magnetic state of one of said cores in said group andiarelated core in'the other group, andmea'ns for' detecting'said signal conductors insaid other group'to identify said related core. I v v 10. A reversible ferromagnetic binary code translator comprising a first and s'eco'nd'g roup of eight rectangular hysteresis loop cores, each of said cores signifying a particular binary number, three signal conductors threaded througlieach of said groups of cores inacco'rdance with a code, each of said conductors in each group; being threaded through a given number of cores inone direction and through anequal-number of cores in the same group in the opposite direction, a 'bia's winding on each of said groups of cores adapted to be energized in one of two polarities with varying magnitudes,'a'n' output winding on each of said cores, a-jumper connector" linking the output winding of-each core in'jsaid first group to the output winding of an associatedcofe in said second group, means for e'nergizin'gf thre'e of -said slg'nal' condirections thereby setting" one" of said cores in said' oiz e- 9 group and the associated core in the other group, and means for detecting said signal conductors in said second group to identify said associated core.

11. A bidirectional ferromagnetic core translator comprising a first and second group of rectangular hysteresis loop cores, each of said cores representing a particular binary number, a first and second group of signal conductors individually threaded through said first and second group of cores respectively in accordance with the binary number each of said cores represents, a bias winding threaded through each of said groups of cores, a jumper conductor linking each core in said first group to a related core in said second group, means for energizing said bias winding in said first group of cores in a positive direction, means for energizing said bias winding in said second group of cores in a negative direction, said current in said bias winding in said second group of cores having a lower magnitude than the current in said bias winding of said first group of cores, means for selectively energizing said first group of signal conductors in a predetermined direction, thereby setting one of said cores in said first group of cores and said related core in said second group of cores, and means for detecting said second group of signal conductors to identify said related core.

12. A reversible ferromagnetic core translator comprising a first and second group of rectangular hysteresis loop cores, each of said cores signifying a particular binary number, a first and second group of signal conductors threaded through said first and second group of cores respectively in accordance with the binary numbers said cores represent, a bias Winding on each of said cores, means for coupling each core in said first group to a related core in said second group, means for energizing selected conductors in either of said groups of signal conductors and for energizing said bias windings in varying magnitudes and directions to set a selected core in one group and the related core in the other group of cores, means for detecting said group of signal conductors threaded through said other group of cores to identify said related core, and means for interchanging and receiving the input signals and output signals on said first and said second group of signal conductors to operate said translator in either direction.

13. A bidirectional ferromagnetic core translator comprising a first and second group of rectangular hysteresis loop cores, a bias winding on each of said cores, a first and second group of pairs of signal conductors threaded through said first and second group of cores respectively according to a code, a conductor linking each core in said first group to an associated core in said second group, means for energizing said bias windings in varying directions and amplitudes in accordance with the direction of signal travel between said groups of cores, means for energizing selected ones of said first group of signal conductors thereby setting one of said cores in said first group of cores and the associated core in said second group of cores, and means for detecting said second group of signal conductors to identify said associated core.

14. A reversible ferromagnetic core translator comprising two groups of rectangular hysteresis loop cores,

each of said cores representing a particular binary numher, a bias winding individual to each of said groups of cores, a first and second group of pairs of signal conductors threaded through said two groups of cores respectively in accordance with the binary numbers said cores represent, means for coupling each core in one of said groups of cores to an associated core in the other of said groups of cores, means for energizing the bias windings in said groups of cores in varying directions and magnitudes in accordance with the direction in which signals are to travel between said groups of cores, means for energizing one signal conductor in each of said pairs in either said first or second group of signal conductors to set a selected core in said group and the associated core in the other group of cores, and means for detecting the signal conductors threaded through the other group of cores which are thereby energized to identify said associated core.

15. A reversible ferromagnetic core translator comprising a first and second group of rectangular hysteresis loop cores, each of said cores signifying a binary number, a first and second group of signal conductors individually threaded through said first and said second group of cores respectively in accordance with a code, each of said signal conductors being threaded through a given number of cores in one direction and through an equal number of cores in the same group in the opposite direction, a bias winding on each of said cores, means for energizing said bias winding in accordance with the direction of translation, means for coupling each core in said first group to a related core in said second group, means for directionally energizing selected signal conductors in either of said first and said second group of signal conductors thereby setting one of said cores in said group of cores surrounding the selected conductors and the related core in the other group, and means responsive to the setting of said related core for identifying the said related core.

16. A two-way ferromagnetic core translator comprising a first and second group of eight rectangular hysteresis loop cores each, each of said cores signifying a binary number, a firstgroup of three pairs of signal conductors threaded through said first group of cores, a second group of three pairs of signal conductors threaded through said second group of cores, said signal conductors being threaded through the cores in accordance with the binary numbers said cores represent, a bias winding on each of said groups of cores, means for coupling each core in said first group to a related core in said second group, means for energizing said bias winding in said first group of cores in a given direction, means for energizing said bias winding in said second group of cores in an opposite direction, means for energizing selected ones of said signal conductors in either of said first and second group of signal conductors thereby changing the magnetic state of one of said cores surrounding said selected conductors and said related core in the other group of cores, and means for detecting said signal conductors threaded through said other group of cores to identify said related core.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,369,474 Luhn Feb. 13, 1945 2,518,022 Keister Aug. 8, 1950 2,734,182 Rajchman Feb. 7, 1956 2,768,367 Rajchman Oct. 23, 1956 

